Expert: Norman Auspitz - 6/2/2009

Question
First off, thank you for taking the time to respond, I appreciate the efforts you make!

This past weekend my cat suddenly and unexpectedly died.  And I'm struggling for answers.  Sat he was very lethargic, and I assumed he was just under the weather.  Sunday he started breathing heavy, so took him to emergency vet.  The took x-rays and thought possibly a blockage, but couldn't really tell.  His condition rapidly worsened to the point where I had to put him down, he was in distress.  The vet had suggested that any surgery (ie. to open his stomach and look) wasn't suggested because the cat was too far gone at that point.

The vet also mentioned to me that he had jaundice and was probably sick for a long time, just didn't exhibit any symptoms (he was completely normal acting until the weekend).

So I'm struggling for an answer of what might have happened.  I feel absolutely guilt ridden, like I could've done something more to save his life, though everyone says it was too late by the time the symptoms appeared.

The cat (Mason) had always previously been (or appeared) to be very healthy so I'm stunned by this loss.  The vet did also mention that his heart was a little larger than normal, but not sure if that means anything.

Any ideas?  We have three other cats and I'm terrified something like this will happen to them.  All are indoor cats, though they are allowed in the backyard (closed off).

Any thoughts appreciated!

Gary.

Answer
Gary,

I am very sorry for your loss.

The problem is that there are not really going to be answers.  I would say the enlarged heart may have been the culprit, but I would also be concerned about the liver involvement.  At age 10, Mason would be considered geriatric and subject to diseases of old age.

Also, cats are very stoical about discomfort. so there could have been problems going on for quite a while, but, being sub-clinical, no one would have noticed.

I wish I could give you more, but, like people, cats do die suddenly.  At age 10, Mason did very well as the normal life expectancy for a domestic cat is 12-15 years.

Sad regards... Norm.